Eugene Vindman

Virginia congressman’s meeting with transgender Democrats erupts into profanity. Then he walked out

Rep. Eugene Vindman came to a predominantly Republican Virginia county Tuesday night expecting to tell local Democrats why they needed to help him win reelection and put their party back in control of Congress. Instead, the first-term Democrat spent much of his visit defending himself to transgender members of his own party before leaving after a profane confrontation with a constituent.

At least two transgender women and one transgender man challenged Vindman over his May vote for GOP-backed legislation affecting transgender students. Some described being outed to unsupportive parents. Others questioned why transgender people should trust Democrats to protect them when members of the party sometimes support Republican measures targeting them.

“Congressman, you need to shut up and listen,” one cisgender Democratic committee member told him during a hallway confrontation.

Vindman said he was listening and had stayed despite “you all attacking me.”

“Shut the f*ck up,” the committee member responded.

“No,” Vindman said, moving toward the man. “You can’t f***ing talk to me that way.”

Vindman then walked out, shouting “no” when one constituent asked if they could ask one more question.

Shortly afterward, a Vindman campaign spokesperson contacted The Advocate seeking an opportunity to discuss what had happened. Vindman sent The Advocate a statement Wednesday morning.